Jason Levien, Ben Olsen testify at D.C. Council hearing

D.C. United Managing General Partner Jason Levien and Head Coach Ben Olsen spoke today in support of the District of Columbia Soccer Stadium Development Act of 2014 before a joint public hearing of the D.C. Council Committee of the Whole, Committee on Finance and Revenue, and Committee on Government Operations at the John A. Wilson Building.

“By any measure, this project is a sound economic investment for the District,” Levien said in front of a packed Council Chamber. “But this project is about more than just economics: It is an opportunity to build on the tremendous partnership between D.C. United and the District.”

Levien described the $50 million per year in economic activity that will be generated by the stadium – part of $2.3 billion in total economic activity for the entire project – along with 1,559 jobs, including 452 permanent positions.

“The fiscal impact of this deal is also staggering: over the next 30 years, the stadium will generate $204 million net present value in new tax revenue for the District,” Levien said.

Olsen and Levien preceded scheduled testimony of more than 100 witnesses, including representatives of the business community, schools, and labor. Supporters of the plan for a new D.C. United stadium and other associated developments were also on hand at the Wilson Building.

“This is your chance to affirm that the District of Columbia is the soccer capital of this country,” said Olsen, who was the first speaker during the hearing. “… It is the world’s game, and it is part of the fabric of this city. It is no wonder the highest TV ratings for the World Cup are here. There should be no place better to see or play the game in the United States.”